Future researchers honoured

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences and the International Space Science Institute have honoured seven young talents with a honorary award for their exceptional performances in the fields of physics and astronomy: Emilie Hertig and Rebecca Hampp for their experiments within the scope of the Swiss youth research programme "Schweizer Jugend Forscht" as well as Adrian Rutschmann, Henning Zhang, Pascal Isenring, Alexandre Pinazza and Tamar Som for winning medals at the International Physics Olympiad 2017. "Physics is a great starting point for a variety of different career paths", Head of NASA Science Missions Thomas Zurbuchen said at the presentation of the awards on 2 August.

EVENTJul 31, 2017

Science journalism – watchdog or truffle dog?

On 23 October 2017, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences are presenting the Prix Média in Lucerne. Science journalist Edwin Cartlidge will hold a keynote speech on the event’s topic “Science journalism – watchdog or truffle dog of research?”. The following discussion will be moderated by reportage chief editor Daniel Puntas Bernet. Further information will follow.

Ask the Head of NASA Science Missions your questions!

When will we be able to travel to Mars? How does a spacecraft work? Why are there storms on Jupiter? Thomas Zurbuchen, Head of NASA Science Missions, will answer questions of curious children on the great theme “space” in the House of Academies in Bern. The editors of ZAMBO, the Swiss radio and television programme for children, will record the conversation between Mr Zurbuchen and the young reporter Léonie.

Head of NASA Science Missions visiting Switzerland

The Academies of Arts and Sciences are excited about Thomas Zurbuchen’s visit to Switzerland. On Wednesday, 2 August 2017, the Head of NASA Science Missions and former student and researcher of the University of Bern will join a public panel discussion (number of participants limited, registration mandatory). The event is aimed at representatives of scientific communities, upcoming and established space scientists and startup companies in space technologies. Following the podium discussion, Thomas Zurbuchen will visit the House of Academies to answer the curious questions of a young reporter for "Zambo", the Swiss radio and television programme for children.

The event is held under the patronage of the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences (SCNAT) and the International Space Science Institute (ISSI).

Recommendations of European Academies for the next EU Framework Programme for Research

Horizon 2020, the current EU promotion programme for research and technological development, worth more than 70 billion Euro, is also of vital importance for researchers in Switzerland. The work for the design of the successor programme from 2021 is under way. With its position paper, the association ALLEA (All European Academies) makes the case for a Europe that is a world leader in research and innovation. For that purpose, ALLEA calls for a programme with, in particular: significant resources for initiatives that were successful so far (e.g. European Research Council); an added value in comparison to national research systems; incentives for interdisciplinarity, mobility, internationalism, excellence as well as for research with societal and long-term impact; and full recognition of the importance of the humanities and social sciences. Professor Simona Pekarek Doehler from the University of Neuchâtel was co-author of the ALLEA Position Paper as Delegate of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences.

ScienceComm’17: Register now!

ScienceComm has been given a facelift: According to the motto „Show Me Science!“, participative formats will prevail in 2017. The conference will start on 21 September in the afternonn and end on 22 September evening in the Landhaus, Solothurn. It is addressed to all the people directly or indirectly interested in science communication.

"Personalised health", "Aging population", "Digitisation", "Dialogue with youth and society", "Collaboration in innovation parks" and "Energy, environment and resources": With their strategic topics the members of the Academy association join forces. Because the collaboration between all scientific disciplines and the active dialogue between science, society and politics are required to meet the great challenges of our and the next generations to come.

Reward for best doctoral theses

With the Prix Schläfli the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) rewards the four best doctoral theses in natural science disciplines. Applications can be submitted until 31 October 2017 at www.scnat.ch/Prixschlaefli. The promotion of young talents is one of the priorities of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences.

International CooperationJul 5, 2017

Electricity grids in Europe: increased need for dedicated storage

The European umbrella organisation of national science academies (EASAC) has examined the added value of large- and small-scale electricity storage. This is set against the background of fluctuating extraction of renewable energy, whose stable integration in European electricity grids increasingly requires large-scale electricity storage. The EASAC «Policy Report» is a scientific contribution to the configuration of energy policy in the EU area. «Our analysis highlights how to objectively and transparently link potentials and limitations of new storage technologies with the design of electricity markets and investment strategies in Europe», according to Thierry Courvoisier, President of EASAC and representative of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. The results of the expert panel aim to make a contribution so that electricity is provided to consumers in a reliable manner and at the lowest possible costs.

Valérie Clerc joins the Academy association

The Swiss Academy of Medical Science (SAMS) has appointed Valérie Clerc as its new Secretary General. On 1 November 2017, the historian succeeds Hermann Amstad, who helped shaping the SAMS for 18 years. Currently, Valérie Clerc is Managing Director of the Swiss University Conference (SHK) at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). With Valérie Clerc, the Academies gain a personality with long standing experience in Swiss university policy.

Performance Agreement signed

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences have signed the Performance Agreement with the federal government for the years 2017–2020 for a total of 169 million Swiss francs. The funds will be used to fulfil the basic mandates of the association and its six members as well as for the long-term activities and the national funding initiative Personalised Medicine. The mandate of the association of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences includes the promotion of the dialogue between science and society. To this end, the association, together with its 300 member organisations, is actively committed at the local, national and international level.

Faces of sciences

The annual report 2016 of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences spotlights the people who generate knowledge and promote science on a daily basis. Seven networkers and mediators offer a glimpse of their everyday life: They represent the 100,000 committed persons under our roof who help to encounter science in various ways. The report also shows the strategic topics the Academies cover to carry out their mission.

Democracy specialist for the Academies

As of 1 November 2017, Elisabeth Ehrensperger takes over the management of TA-SWISS, the Centre for Technology Assessment of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. She succeeds Sergio Bellucci, who is retiring by the end of November after 20 years of service. Most recently, Elisabeth Ehrensperger was Executive Secretary of the National Advisory Commission on Biomedical Ethics.

Personnel changesJun 2, 2017

New president in the Academy association

Willy R. Gehrer is the new president of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW). In May, the qualified electrical engineer succeeded Ulrich W. Suter, who led the SATW for six years. Willy R. Gehrer worked for many years at Siemens Switzerland, most recently as CEO of the areas Energy and Transportation Systems. As former delegate of SATW, he is already very familiar with the businesses of the Board of Directors of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences.

Revised statutes

In view of the cooperation within the association and the introduction of the global budgeting, the statutes of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences were revised. On 31 May 2017, the Assembly of Delegates has approved the statutes of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. They enter into force on 1 June 2017 and will be submitted to the Federal Council together with the statutes of the members at the end of the year.

Statutes of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences of 1 June 2017 (pdf) German

Scientific recommendations for sustainable forest management

The production of natural resources and raw materials for industry and bioenergy, employment creation, provision of spaces for leisure, conservation of biodiversity, mitigation of climate change: the many functions of forests create also conflicts between different uses and stakeholders. Policy-makers are confronted with considerable challenges to enhance sustainability and synergies between different interest groups. A European expert group reviewed the latest scientific knowledge in a report that makes recommendations for sustainable forest management with optimal social, environmental and economic benefits. Thierry Courvoisier, President of the l’European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) and former President of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, recently released the report «Multi-functionality and sustainability in the European Union's forests».

Objectives achieved, positive interim result

On 10 May 2017, at the assembly of delegates of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, Prof. Dr Maurice Campagna announced his resignation effective 1 May 2018. The essential objectives of his mandate have been achieved and additional milestones are within reach, the versatile and committed president said. In spring 2017, the leaner statutes were passed, developed under his leadership and opening the path to overall budgeting in the association of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. By elaborating new strategic subjects, the content alignment has been strengthened, said Campagna. The election procedure will start in the coming weeks.

Doing enough, but not too much

The new position paper "Sustainable medicine" of the Swiss Academies of Medical Sciences (SAMS) calls for health interventions to be selected with a sense of proportion: The approach to do everything and preferably immediately should be replaced by the approach to do enough but not too much. The newly published recommendations provide orientation for such "wise choices".

Download "Handling conflicts of interest when drafting guidelines and choosing-wisely lists" (pdf) German

PRIZE AND PROMOTIONMay 8, 2017

Prix Média 2017: Apply now

Awarded with the Prix Média and the Prix Média Newcomer is the outstanding journalistic and technical quality of a scientific media product, primarily addressing a lay audience and published in a medium that comes out regularly in Switzerland. Young journalists (aged 32 or younger) are automatically considered for the Prix Média Newcomer. Submission deadline: Wednesday, 31 May 2017

The potential for misuse in life sciences research needs to be discussed

Research in the life sciences affords immense benefits to society and the environment, but it also carries risks. These risks include not only unintentional or accidental exposure to hazardous biological material, but also the intentional misuse of such materials or related data, knowledge, and technologies. The potential for misuse is especially apparent with respect to research on human pathogens. A new publication by the Academies of Arts and Sciences provides a discussion basis for scientists on how to address the misuse potential of biological research.

Contributions for the preparation of project applications for Swiss Park Research

The parks of national significance combine the preservation and enhancement of nature and landscape with models for a regional sustainable development. This combination of prospects for protection and use lead to a wide range of research topics for science. The following results can be an important basis for the further development of a targeted and impact oriented management of the parks. On behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) the Swiss Park Research of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Scienes supports and strengthens research in and about the parks of national significance. For this purpose it promotes the preparation of project applications to third parties with a financial contribution (seed money).

Research in Swiss parks

On 30 May 2017, Swiss Park Research is organising a national conference on research in parks of national significance and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Scientists will present their current research projects carried out in different nature parks of national significance and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The programme includes presentations and posters on the subjects society, education, biodiversity and change.

3° Convegno "Dalle Alpi al Mediterraneo"

Cross-border, sustainable mobility and its relevance for the prosperity in times of rapid social and economic change are crucial for the development between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. Maurice Campagna, president of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, moderated an event in Lugano with high-level representatives from science and politics, such as Giancarlo Kessler, Swiss Ambassador in Rome, and Prof. Rico Maggi, professor for international tourism and microeconomics at USI Università della Svizzera italiana.

More sustainability in research and teaching: The federal government’s four million Swiss Francs funding programme “Sustainable Development at Universities” significantly contributed to its anchorage. In the past four years, the programme coordinated by the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences supported 54 projects. An overview will be presented on Friday at the “Sustainable University Day” in Basel with the final report. The first call of the follow-up programme has already been opened for students.

Grave concern about academic freedom in Hungary

The higher education law reform by the Hungarian Government causes great turbulence. The reform formally concerns the 28 education institutions that are supported from abroad, but is factually directed against the Central European University (CEU). This university, which has gained international reputation since its creation in 1991, would have to cease operation if the reform was to be continued. The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences join the All European Academies (ALLEA) and other science organisations in urging the Hungarian Government to withdraw the reform and to respect academic freedom that is enshrined in Article 9 of the Hungarian constitution.

The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences support the "March for Science" on 22 April. Together with all participants worldwide, the Academies also emphasise the need for a science transparent and accessible to all. Research and science should serve the common good and help decision-makers to find the best possible solutions for the population.

Guidelines for honest research

A new European code of conduct defines the guidelines for research integrity. The concise compilation was drafted by selected experts of the umbrella organisation of 59 academies in 40 Council of Europe countries – the All European Academies (ALLEA). As a reference document of the European Commission, it will be binding for all researchers with project funding from the European Research Framework Programme. The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences substantially contributed to the revised version of the document.

Future developed tourism regions – more than a business model

This year's conference of the Interacademic Commission on Alpine Studies (ICAS) fathoms new future prospects for centres and regions that are highly developed for tourism and therefore depend on it. Current trends and rapidly changing frame conditions such as unpredictable global markets, secondary residents limitation, climate change and increasing mobility set dwindling frame conditions. The discussion should be held beyond the classic and purely economically oriented business models and should show how touristic centres can develop and distinguish themselves from the inside as attractive habitats. The conference will address possible approaches, which might also be interesting for the Engadine.

ScienceComm'17 Call for Participation

"Show Me Science!" is the motto of the ScienceComm'17. What role does science communication play in times of "anything goes"? Is the flexible attitude towards facts and interpretations not a wake-up call for science and an opportunity to position itself in the sense of 'It's science. It works. We show you how!'? This year, the conference will focus on participative formats. ScienceComm'17 will start in the afternoon of 21 September and will end in the evening of 22 September 2017 in the Landhaus Solothurn.

Support for student project on sustainability

The programme "U Change" allows independent projects for students at Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of education. It supports the development and implementation of student ideas, business models and additional activities for a sustainable development thus complementing education at higher education institutions. The key objective of the funded projects is the collaboration with other students, companies, the public sector or NGOs.

Book presentation: "Augen-Blicke"

What role do media play in religious traditions? How is religion represented in today's media? Questions like these are of concern to religious scholar Prof. Dr Daria Pezzoli-Olgiati. To mark her 50th birthday, the publisher Theologischer Verlag Zürich (TVZ) is issuing the commermorative publication "Augen-Blicke – 29 perspectives on religion". The book presentation will take place on 6 April 2017 at 17:15 h at the House of Academies Laupenstrasse 7, Bern. No registration required.

Swiss Parlament to discuss ratification of Paris Agreement

Switzerland is disproportionately affected by the temperature rise. Tomorrow Thursday, the Swiss Parlament will discuss the ratification of the international climate agreement of the United Nations adopted in Paris in 2015. It lays the foundation for a globally coordinated climate protection. An overview of scientific studies shows that in Switzerland the impacts in case of achieving Paris’ two-degree-target are significantly lower than in, for example, a three degrees warmer world.

Recommendations for the acquisition of basic knowledge of the Latin language

In 2014 the Swiss Academies of Humanities and Social Sciences (SAHS) presented recommendations on the offer and acquisition of Latin language competences at Swiss universities. It concluded that the implementation of the recommendations could best be achieved by defining minimal competences that the students should have after the completion of a basic course in Latin. Therefore, a task force was assigned to develop the present report.

Animal experimentations: Academies support the introduction of animal welfare officers and standardised education and training

In late October, the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has opened the consultation process regarding the amendment of ordinances governing the veterinary field. The revised ordinance provides an animal welfare officer for animal experimentations and standardised education and training in the field of animal experimentations. In their statement, the Academies expressly welcome both proposals. In addition, they point to some inconsistencies.

US immigration ban also affects scientists in Switzerland

The temporary immigration imposed by the US Government on nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen also affects scientists in Switzerland. An Iranian scientist, who graduated at the EPF Lausanne and currently lives in Lausanne, cannot take up her position at Harvard Medical School despite a Swiss National Science Foundation bursary. “Science thrives best through the exchange of ideas and research materials – but also through the unrestricted freedom of movement for scientists”, emphasises Professor Martina Caroni, the Delegate for Human Rights at the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. To discriminate scientists based on their nationality or faith contradicts the Principle of Universality of Science. The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences therefore support the petition of almost 15'000 US scientists and the plea of the International Council for Science to rescind the immigration ban.

Autonomy and relations: the publication and Save the Date

In the cylce of meetings on "Autonomy in medicin" of the SAMS and the national ethics committee the meaning of relations was the center of discussion at the event of 2016: What role does the relation to doctors, nurses and relatives play in selfdecided health decisions? The following publication documents that convention. Autonomy and care will be the title of the next meeting in 2017. Who decides in cases where a person is not able to decide for themsleves? Save the Date and discuss with us at our next meeting, the 30th of July 2017 in Berne.

We Scientists Shape Science

We want science to be creative, solid, open, helpful for society and a good career opportunity for the talented youth. Let’s start to change what it means to be a scientist and the way and the framework in which science is conducted. It is us scientists who need to change science. Find more information and updated discussion paper on the website of the annual congress of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT).

The practice of effective inter-professional collaboration

Inter-professional collaboration (IPC) has been gaining more attention in recent years. While calls for more and better IPC grew louder, the question remains open what IPC means in concrete terms for acting professionals in practice. A study commissioned by the SAMS provides guidance.

Rewarded exhibitions: Prix Expo

The Prix Expo rewards exhibitions and related forms that convey the fascination of nature and the natural sciences to a wide audience in Switzerland both competently and entertainingly. The prize is endowed with 10,000 Swiss francs and has been awarded annually by the Swiss Academy of Sciences since 2003. The call is open for submissions until 1 June 2017.

Peter Messerli co-chairs UN Global Sustainable Development Report

Peter Messerli, Professor of Sustainable Development at the University of Bern, has been selected as co-chair to lead the group of scientific experts tasked with drafting the upcoming UN Global Sustainable Development Report. In 2015, he was chosen by the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences as a scientific representative of the Swiss delegation that participated in negotiation of the new global development agenda at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York. The first report is slated for release in 2019.

Martina Caroni is the new Delegate for Human Rights

Martina Caroni will serve as the Delegate for Human Rights of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences until 2020. The Delegate intervenes in cases of human right violations against researchers related to their scientific work and she promotes the pertinence of human rights in science. Martina Caroni studied in Bern and Yale and worked at the European Commission of Human Rights. As professor of International, Constitutional and Comparative Law in Lucerne since 2002, her teaching and research areas include migration law and human rights.